RHEGED is one of Cumbria’s true cultural gems located just off the M6 (J40) at what’s regarded as the northern gateway to the Lakes. A family run centre for arts, food and family activities, it is also a building of real architectural merit, a ground breaking attraction with one of the largest grass covered roofs in the country.

With half term coming up next week there’s plenty of family-friendly activities in the pipeline, including a pantomime version of Rudyard Kipling’s classic The Jungle Book, on Monday, October 22; Hallowe’en pumpkin carving on Tuesday, October 23, and the Funny Looking Kids: Comedy Club on Saturday, October 27, with three performances at 11.30am, 2.30pm, 5pm. With sketches, quizzes, nonsense, noise and the mighty joke competition, its a real rib tickling show.

Meanwhile, the Woman’s Hour Craft Prize exhibition is creating a buzz at Rheged on the next leg of its national tour. The exhibition organised by London’s Victoria and Albert Museum, in association with BBC Radio 4 and the Crafts Council, showcases the most innovative and exciting craft practice in the UK today and runs at the Penrith attraction’s gallery until Sunday, October 28.

From huge handwoven willow structures, darned knitwear and a bespoke bicycle, to clay installations, futuristic glass figures, and jewellery made with 18th Century pins found in the mud of the River Thames, the exhibition explores issues ranging from the UK’s consumer culture, to the decline of its manufacturing and geo-politics.

Call 01768-868000.